Commissioners returning to office
LISA HOBBS - News Editor
The Warren County Commission saw very little change after last night’s election results.
Among those who will be new to the group is James A. Zahn, who grabbed the top spot in District 4 with 264 votes. This will be his first term at an elected official.
“I appreciate the support voters in my district have shown me; Thank you,” said Zahn. “I consider it a privilege to serve the community as a District 4 Commissioner. I look forward to working alongside the other commissioners and County Executive Terry Bell in their efforts to make Warren County a place people love to call home. This community is beautiful and we, all residents, share a combined desire to keep it that way.”
District 4 incumbent Blaine Wilcher held onto his seat with 234 votes. David Dunlap 148 and Dustin Stoetzel 118.
“I’m glad that the 4th District has voted me in for a fifth term,” said Wilcher. “My new counterpart, James Zahn, will be a great asset to the commission. We have a great team, and Terry has done a great job of leading us. I hope to continue to help keep our taxes low, promote high paying job recruitment, improve spay and neutering for our homeless animals on a state level, and then look at a higher office in four years.”
In District 9, Stephen Potter will replace incumbent Steven Helton, who opted not to seek re-election. Serving with him in that district will be incumbent Carlene Brown.
“I am so thankful to have another opportunity to serve District 9 as their county commissioner,” stated Brown. “I take this responsibility very seriously. I want our citizens to have the best services possible and want to make decisions that protect our community and beautiful county. Thank you all who have supported me.”
The numbers: Brown 388, Potter 329, and Richard Blackburn Jr. 278.
Ron Lee and Christy Ross, District 1 incumbents, will return. Lee captured 333 votes to Ross’ 249. They faced off against Joan Harris Presley and Ryan Sexton Sr., who each received 156 and 118 votes, respectively.
“Thank you District 1 from the bottom of my heart,” said Ross. “It is not lost on me the gravity that each and every one of your votes holds. I promise to always do my very best to seek out the truth and do the most amount of good for as many people as I possibly can. Warren County is the very best place in the whole wide world in my opinion, and we are blessed to call it home.”
In District 5, Brad Hillis garnered 308 votes and Scott Kelly 174. Melody Martin was edged out with 147 votes.
“Thank you,” said Hillis, “the confidence and trust the 5th district has placed in me is something I take very seriously, and every vote is greatly appreciated. I will always be committed to preserving our heritage and recourses in this county while we continue to plan for growth. Warren County is my home, and I’m always available to those I can help with concerns or issues.”
District 10 incumbents Gary Prater and Cole Taylor will return. They received 456 and 443 votes, respectively, to Brandon Knight’s 267.
Michael Bell at 445 votes and Steve Glenn at 413 will return in District 11. Challenger Tyler Simmons received 197.
“I want to thank the voters of the 11th district for their confidence in me to serve them for the next four years,” said Bell. “I look forward to working with the commission to see what we can accomplish in those four years.”
In District 12, Carl D. Bouldin received 366 votes, Kenny Moffitt 239 and Tommy Davenport 216.
“I deem it an honor and privilege to be elected by the voters of the 12th district to serve another term,” said Bouldin. “I feel that the current executive and county commission have worked extremely well together and have made great strides in making Warren County a better place to live. I feel the voters agree with this, according to the voting results returning the current executive and 20 commissioners only replacing four vacant seats. Thank you to the 12th district.”
Running in unopposed races:
County Commissioner District 2: Cam Montgomery 553 and Charles Dotson 486
County Commissioner District 3: Ken Martin 538 and Christopher Rippy 444.
County Commissioner District 6: Phillip Stout 254 and Traye Cope 218.
County Commissioner District 7: Tommy Savage 242 and Caleb Graves 415.
County Commissioner District 8: Scott Rubley 648 and Randy England 560